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Committee advances bill to name stretch of Northwest Bypass for Jim Loud Thunder Gopher
Summary
House Bill 448 to designate the Jim Loud Thunder Gopher Memorial Highway on the Northwest Bypass in Cascade County passed the House Transportation Committee 13–1 after family members, tribal organizations and the Montana American Indian Caucus testified about Loud Thunder’s leadership and cultural legacy.
Rep. Jane Weber (House District 19) told the House Transportation Committee she is presenting House Bill 448 to establish the Jim Loud Thunder Gopher Memorial Highway on a section of the Northwest Bypass near Stuckey Road and Hill 57 in Cascade County. Weber said descendants and tribal officials asked her to carry the legislation.
Family members and tribal leaders offered historical and cultural testimony. Richard Parenteau, a Little Shell tribal member and descendant, described Loud Thunder’s leadership, historic travel to Washington, D.C., and the family’s possession of a rare 18‑03 Indian peace flag. "Please vote yes for a great Ojibwe leader on house bill 448," Parenteau told the committee. Daniel Pocha, chairman of the elder society for the Little Shell tribe, and Keaton Sunchild of Western Native Voice also urged passage, as did Lance Forster of the Montana American Indian Caucus.
John Swartz, maintenance administrator at the Montana Department of Transportation, appeared informationally and said MDT had completed a fiscal note and expected to cover signage and related costs from its operational budget. Swartz also said MDT would add the designation to its digital and printed maps in a small font size.
Representative Smith moved the do‑pass motion during executive action. The committee conducted a roll‑call vote with proxies recorded and announced 13 in favor and 1 opposed (Representative Hinkle). Chair Durham declared the bill passed out of committee and noted it will proceed to second reading on the House floor.
Why it matters: Proponents said the designation recognizes Loud Thunder’s role as a spiritual leader, community organizer and advocate for land and labor rights, and it formally acknowledges Hill 57’s cultural significance in Great Falls. MDT’s commitment to fund signage out of its existing budget reduced committee concerns about added state cost.
What’s next: HB 448 will go to the House floor for second reading following the committee’s do‑pass recommendation.
